AGP Executive Report

Middle East Diplomacy: BRICS leaders meeting in New Delhi urged “maximum restraint” amid the widening Middle East conflict, calling for dialogue and diplomacy and backing an end to forced displacement of Palestinians, while avoiding direct naming of Iran-linked actors. Shipping & Energy Risks: A vessel was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz as Saudi temporarily shut its East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks reportedly launched from Iraq, raising fresh oil-price and shipping disruption fears. Regional Conflict on the Ground: Yemen’s forces said they struck Houthi positions and weapons convoys in Taiz and Al-Dhale, as Houthis push along the Red Sea coast and tighten pressure around Bab el-Mandeb. Hajj Travel Rules: Pakistan’s NADRA-integrated digital vaccination certificate became mandatory for international Hajj/Umrah travel from Sept. 14, with airlines told only NADRA proofs will be accepted. Tourism & Travel Business: Qatar Airways announced major winter network expansion to 170+ destinations, adding connectivity that can support travel demand even as regional tensions persist. Saudi Travel Ops: Saudi Arabia’s Traffic Directorate set six conditions for heavy trucks on roads, focusing on lane use, timing, load safety, and warning-sign rules.

Red Sea & oil security: Saudi Arabia shut its vital East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks reportedly launched from Iraq, with Iraq confirming the strikes originated from its territory and dismissing a commander; the escalation comes as Iran-backed Houthis seize Yemen’s Perim (Mayun) island near Bab el-Mandeb, raising shipping and energy-price worries. Diplomacy & regional talks: Iran says it will sign a Hormuz shipping-route agreement with Oman in Muscat Monday, while Bahrain says it won’t attend until ties with Iran are restored; US President Trump also said the Houthis asked Washington not to intervene. Tourism policy update: Saudi Arabia clarified that UK citizens entering on an ETA can’t use it for work or Hajj. Travel & events: Banyan Tree AlUla launched a Saudi National Day offer (22–26 Sept) with Ashar Valley experiences; SYRIX Expo 2026 wrapped up in Jeddah, linking Syrian manufacturers with Saudi buyers. Aviation & logistics: Maersk introduced emergency freight rates up to $4,800 per container due to Hormuz disruption. Tourism industry spotlight: WTM Spotlight Riyadh highlighted shifting Saudi tourism focus from giga-projects to on-the-ground experiences.

Red Sea Disruption: Houthi forces seized Yemen’s Perim island near Bab el-Mandeb, while also taking the port city of Mocha and pushing further along the Red Sea coast—raising fresh fears for shipping and energy flows that Saudi relies on to bypass Hormuz. Saudi Energy Pressure: Saudi Arabia shut its East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks from Iraq hit pump stations in the Riyadh and Madinah regions, injuring people and triggering fires; the kingdom said it chose not to respond at this stage while urging Iraq to stop attacks. Tourism Policy Update: Saudi Ministry of Tourism updated four regulations covering travel and tourism services, tourist guides, hospitality facilities and private hospitality units—aimed at simplifying licensing, raising service standards, and improving visitor experience. Market Signals for Travel: Tourism Malaysia reaffirmed its push to strengthen Saudi outbound demand, citing 17,302 visitors from Saudi in Jan–Jun 2026 and renewed industry networking in Riyadh. Craft & Culture Spotlight: A feature highlights endangered Arab traditional crafts, including the Kiswa embroiderers of Makkah, underscoring Saudi’s cultural tourism appeal.

Saudi Tourism Partnerships: Tourism Malaysia used a Riyadh networking push to reaffirm efforts to grow Saudi arrivals, citing 17,302 visitors from Jan–Jun 2026 and highlighting airline links with Saudia and Almosafer. Red Sea Travel Risk Watch: Saudi Crown Prince MBS urged Trump to strike Yemen’s Houthis as they advanced toward Bab el-Mandeb; Trump declined direct action, while U.S. support reportedly includes intelligence and “non-kinetic” help—raising uncertainty for regional routes tied to Saudi oil exports. Hajj Deadline Reminder: Hajj registration for 2027 is set to end Sept 24, with Bangladesh’s quota reported at 78,500 pilgrims. Air Travel Disruption Monitor: Dubai International Airport said it remains open and operating despite regional delays and cancellations, while Kuwait International keeps flights running through Terminals 4 and 5 after earlier damage. Tourism Market Signals: A WTM Spotlight Riyadh push and broader tourism recovery messaging point to renewed focus on inbound demand and GCC tourism cooperation.

Saudi Tourism Spotlight: Saudi Arabia is strengthening its global tourism presence as World Travel Market (WTM) Spotlight Riyadh wraps up, with the kingdom showcasing a wider mix of sea, mountain, heritage and entertainment experiences and drawing international travel industry partners. Aviation & Routes: Riyadh Air launched its Riyadh–Bangkok route, aiming to attract higher-spending Saudi travellers with more flights planned from October; Etihad also announced a year-round Abu Dhabi–Red Sea International Airport service from 4 October. Tourism Cooperation: Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb met Bahrain’s deputy PM to discuss boosting tourism flows and GCC integration, while Kuwait and Saudi also pushed closer tourism coordination. Hajj Logistics: Ghana’s Pilgrims Affairs Office closed 2027 Hajj payments to prevent oversubscription and keep operations within the approved quota. Regional Risk Watch: Reports say Houthis seized Yemen’s Mocha and are threatening shipping near Bab el-Mandeb, raising concerns for Red Sea travel and energy-linked travel planning.

Outbound Demand Boost: At WTM Spotlight Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s outbound travel market (about $35bn today) was projected to top $60bn by 2030–2034, with speakers stressing the need to convert interest into bookings via the right airline capacity, accessible content, experiences and pricing. Air Connectivity: Red Sea Global says scheduled Abu Dhabi–Red Sea International Airport flights start Oct 4 with weekly service, rising to twice weekly from Oct 25, aiming to pull more international visitors into the Red Sea resorts. GCC Tourism Push: Qatar’s tourism chief called for stronger GCC integration—joint packages, faster rollout of the unified GCC tourism visa, and shared promotion—to make the region more competitive globally. Hajj Reforms (Nigeria): Nigeria’s FCT minister backed Saudi Hajj and Umrah reforms, including moving the quota to a B2B tour operator model, urging smooth phased transition and strict health screening. Security & Travel Risk (Yemen): Houthis seized Mocha and advanced toward Bab el-Mandeb, raising concerns for shipping and travel-linked disruption across the Red Sea corridor. Airport Capacity Watch: Dubai Airports cut its 2026 passenger forecast to ~70m after Iran-war airspace closures, with recovery expected by end-2027. Tourism Partnerships: South Africa and Saudi Arabia pledged to strengthen tourism ties, including more direct flights and pilgrimage-linked services.

GCC Travel Boost: The GCC says a unified tourist visa for all six member states is “soon,” with online applications replacing separate visas—good news for travelers planning multi-country Gulf trips. Saudi Tourism & Pilgrimage Links: South Africa and Saudi Arabia are stepping up cooperation for Hajj and Umrah, with Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille meeting Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah to improve connectivity and digital services for pilgrims. Hajj Prep Updates: Nigeria’s Kebbi State registered 3,257 intending pilgrims for 2027 and remitted N2.5bn (with more payments planned) ahead of Saudi deadlines. New Experiences in Saudi: Riyadh hosted the launch of CyberHero, a humanoid robot sports league event, signaling more tech-and-sport attractions for visitors. National Day Holiday: Saudi Arabia announced Sept. 23 as a public holiday for private and non-profit sector employees, likely affecting travel schedules. Air Travel Demand: Qatar Airways expanded its winter network to 170+ destinations, adding frequencies and resuming key routes that can support Saudi-bound travel.

Tourism Integrity: Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom-led International Forum on Promoting Integrity and Combating Corruption in the Tourism Sector wrapped up in the Maldives, focusing on why anti-corruption efforts often fail and how to shift from pure enforcement to prevention and stronger ethical culture. Hajj Travel Prep: Malaysia’s Lembaga Tabung Haji will issue haj offer letters to 31,600 prospective pilgrims in stages from Sept 21, with medical checks and Haj Basic Courses starting Sept 25. Saudi Tourism Talent: The Tourism Development Fund appointed Mashael bint Mohammed Al-Qarni as its official spokesperson, highlighting more women in senior roles tied to tourism investment and communications. Saudi National Day: Saudi Arabia confirmed Sept 23 as a National Day holiday for private and non-profit sector employees. Middle East Disruption Watch: Oil jumped above $100 a barrel after attacks on Saudi energy facilities and Iranian-linked tanker warfare, a reminder that regional instability can quickly ripple into travel costs and planning. Tourism Distribution: Almosafer Activities partnered with the Saudi Tourism Authority to integrate experiences into STA’s Partner Tourism Exchange Portal for wider global B2B/B2C distribution.

WTM Spotlight Riyadh: Saudi Tourism Authority CEO Ageel AlShaibani officially opened the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh, pushing the “Saudi, Welcome to Arabia” push to global travel buyers and highlighting a 5% rise in domestic tourism spend. Tourism Growth Forecast: A Tourism Economics report presented at the event says Saudi international leisure tourism spending could surge 93% by 2030, with leisure’s share of visitor spend rising from 9% (2019) to 28% last year and forecast at 31% by 2030. S’hail 2026 Falconry & Hunting: S’hail 2026 kicked off at Katara, running to Sept 12, with 14 countries and 155 exhibitors spotlighting falconry, hunting gear, camping and outdoor tech—another tourism draw aimed at heritage lovers. Red Sea Resorts Expansion: Red Sea Global announced the opening of Nammos Resort AMAALA, adding a new lifestyle and dining anchor to the Amaala destination. Regional Security Impact: Saudi’s cabinet reiterated resolve to defend sovereignty after Houthi attacks hit southern cities and energy infrastructure, with fires reported and some operations temporarily suspended—while oil prices jumped toward $100, a reminder of how quickly travel costs can swing. Travel Safety: Four Bangladeshi expatriates were killed in a road accident while traveling from Taif to Jeddah.

New Routes & Connectivity: Azerbaijan Airlines will resume direct Baku–Jeddah flights from Sept 15, operating four times weekly, boosting access to Saudi’s Red Sea gateway city. Tourism Development: PIF has launched the Gulf Coast Development Company to build a new coastal tourism and residential destination in Al-Khafji, with 20 sq km planned, 16,000 homes, about 1,400 hotel rooms, and marinas—construction in phases aiming for early district delivery by 2030. Resort Spotlight: A new Qamrah Resort is taking shape in Al-Baha, positioning the mountain city as a cooler escape with a first phase hotel and an adventure park. Airline Support for Tourism: flyadeal will highlight its expanding network and tourism support at WTM Riyadh (Sept 8–10), while Etihad and other carriers continue to adjust schedules amid regional disruption. Events & Experiences: Saudi Event Show 2026 opens Sept 9 in Riyadh, bringing 5,500+ industry professionals to power the Kingdom’s events ecosystem. Hajj Update: Ghana’s Pilgrims Affairs Office has closed 2027 Hajj payments due to oversubscription concerns, urging would-be pilgrims to use official channels. Safety & Travel Context: Oman evacuated 16 crew from a Saudi-owned tanker after an Iranian attack in the Strait of Hormuz, underlining ongoing maritime risk for travelers and trade.

Tourism Policy & Visas: GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi says a Unified Gulf Tourist Visa is set for imminent launch, aiming to make it easier for visitors to move across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman—boosting regional tourism and integration. Luxury Hospitality in Saudi: Red Sea Global has opened Nammos Resort Amaala at Saudi’s Amaala on the Red Sea coast, adding a 110-key luxury resort with 20 private residences and marking Nammos’ first resort hotel globally. Tourism Development & Real Estate: PIF launched the Gulf Coast Development Company to build a new 20 sq km residential and tourism destination in Al-Khafji, targeting about 1,400 hotel rooms and 16,000+ housing units. Travel Industry Moves: Lagardère Travel Retail is expanding dining at Madinah’s Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, adding new concepts including Marché and Sawa. Safety on Religious Travel: Two Egyptian Umrah pilgrims were killed and 25 injured in a bus crash near Makkah/Al-Jumum while traveling from Medina to Mecca. International Tourism Trade: WTM Spotlight Riyadh opens tomorrow, positioning Saudi tourism for global market connections. Business & Tourism Links: Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh met Indian business leaders in Riyadh, highlighting partnerships across trade, investment, tourism and technology.

WTM Spotlight Riyadh: The inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh opens Sept 8–10 at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre, aiming to connect Saudi tourism with global travel buyers and destinations as the Kingdom targets tourism’s bigger role in Vision 2030. Al-Khafji Tourism Push: PIF launched Gulf Coast Development Company to build a 20 sq km integrated residential and tourism destination on Al-Khafji’s coast, with 16,000+ homes and about 1,400 hotel rooms, planned in three phases through 2030. Airport Retail Upgrade in Madinah: Lagardère Travel Retail expanded food & beverage at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport with new Marché and Sawa concepts, adding more dining options for travelers. Digital Travel Partnership: Ink Innovation and solutions by stc signed a LEAP 2026 partnership to boost digital transformation across Saudi travel, tourism, airports, hotels and smart-city experiences. Cross-Border Travel Ease: Bahrain and Saudi taxi services across the King Fahd Causeway are set to begin, supporting tourism and business travel between the two countries. Unified Gulf Tourist Visa: GCC Secretary-General said a unified Gulf tourist visa project will “see the light soon,” making it easier to move across GCC states.

Hajj Updates: Qatar’s Awqaf and Islamic Affairs opened Hajj registration for the 1448 AH season, running Sept 20–Oct 20 on hajj.gov.qa, with early sign-ups meant to improve services and give licensed operators more time for contracts; Qatar’s quota is 4,400 pilgrims and eligibility includes health-capacity checks. GCC Tourism Integration: GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi said a Unified Gulf Tourist Visa will be launched soon to make it easier for visitors to move across GCC countries, boosting tourism and regional destination appeal. Saudi Travel & Leisure: Taif is leaning harder into wellness and nature tourism, with its Healthy City WHO accreditation renewed and Al-Shafa’s cooler mountain scenery drawing longer stays. New Hotel Opening: Riyadh’s KAFD welcomed Atheel KAFD Hotel, a new PIF-managed property with 214 rooms and suites, designed by Foster + Partners. Family City Guide: A Saudi city guide highlights how families can mix museums and indoor fun by day with historic districts, skyline views, and waterfront walks in the evening. Air Connectivity: flyadeal launched direct Madinah–Karachi flights (two weekly), adding another Saudi city link for leisure, business, family visits and religious travel.

Hajj Prep & Registration: Qatar’s Awqaf opened Hajj registration for the 1448 AH season from Sept 20 to Oct 20 via hajj.gov.qa, citing Saudi Arabia’s early planning for quotas, contracts and electronic procedures. Luxury Travel & Business: WTM Spotlight Riyadh unveiled the inaugural conference programme (Sept 8–10) focused on Vision 2030, outbound demand, connectivity and experiences, with sessions featuring UN Tourism and a CEO panel including Almosafer, Cruise Saudi and flyadeal. Air Connectivity: flyadeal launched direct Madinah–Karachi flights (two weekly services), adding to its growing Pakistan network. Adventure Tourism Regulation: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport launched “Al-Rahhala,” a licensing service for organized adventure travel to standardize permits and safety. Hospitality Development: First Projects Ltd. and Hyatt announced Hyatt Regency Private Residences Riyadh Downtown in Al Olaya. Hajj Refunds: Bangladesh reported Tk 4.87 crore refunds for 4,341 pilgrims managed under government arrangements, with fraud warnings to use only official bank channels. Enforcement Watch: NDLEA in Nigeria arrested a cocaine trafficker allegedly posing as a herbal tea merchant with a shipment reportedly destined for Riyadh.

Red Sea Tourism Regulation: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Authority (SRSA) launched “Deeper Than It Seems,” rolling out a regulatory framework for cruises, marinas, yachts, boats, beaches and other maritime activities—aimed at safety, sustainability, and consistent licensing with ongoing compliance checks. Regional Travel Connectivity: Bahrain and Saudi Arabia approved licensed taxis to cross the King Fahd Causeway starting Sept. 6, 2026, giving visitors and residents more flexible land transport between the two countries. Aviation Links for Saudi Travelers: Delta Air Lines announced new long-haul nonstop routes, including Atlanta–Riyadh starting Oct. 23, adding another direct option for US–Saudi travel. Tourism Investment & Leadership: The WTTC highlighted how tourism growth is shifting toward real destination benefits, while also pointing to major global travel-and-tourism leadership activity ahead of its Malta summit. Saudi Tourism Leadership: PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan reiterated the fund’s governance push, with tourism minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb discussing lessons from Saudi tourism transformation.

Tourism Policy & Regulation: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development rolled out an AI-powered Qiwa service to let employers correct expatriate job titles online, aligning records with actual duties under the Unified Saudi Occupational Classification Guide. Work Rules for Visitors: Saudi Arabia also clarified costs tied to foreign work permits and announced a 90-day work-permit rule for foreigners seeking jobs. Hajj & Umrah Updates: Private Hajj bookings are picking up pace as firms upload packages on the portal, while the Hajj and Umrah Affairs Authority has started registration for the lottery. Digital Tourism & Tech: stc group wrapped up LEAP 2026 with major Saudi digital partnerships, and the US Chamber launched its first AI business delegation to Saudi Arabia ahead of LEAP, signaling continued investor interest in the Kingdom’s tech push. Air Connectivity: Riyadh Air launched a new direct Riyadh–Bangkok service, adding to Saudi’s growing route network. Red Sea Tourism Framework: Saudi Arabia’s SRSA outlined a regulatory framework for Red Sea coastal tourism, aiming to structure growth along the coast.